Snow tips

There are a few things to know to make the ultimate winter escape ezi.

Your vehicle choice

We have a range of suitable hire cars to cater for your ski season adventure. We have a number of modern crossovers and 4×4’s available including:

Nissan Qashqai – 2WD

Toyota RAV4 – 4WD

Nissan Qashqai

5 Doors

5 Passengers

2 Large, 3 Small

Airconditioning

Automatic

Toyota RAV4

5 Doors

5 Passengers

3 Large, 1 Small

Airconditioning

Automatic

Toyota Highlander – 4WD

Toyota Hilux – 4WD

Toyota Highlander

5 Doors

7 Passengers

4 Large, 2 Small

Airconditioning

Automatic

Toyota Hilux

4 Doors

5 Passengers

4 Large, 4 Small

Airconditioning

Automatic

Snow chains and ski racks

While on your winter road trip, you are likely to cover some impressive New Zealand terrain and pass through amazing scenery, but some roads can also be a little dangerous at times and in these wintery weather conditions. To ensure you have a safe and unforgettable ski trip in New Zealand, hire snow chains for just $9.99 per day (up to a maximum of $40 per hire) from our Christchurch and Queenstown branches. We’ve also got ski racks for $40 per hire to help transport all of the gear you’ll need for the mountain. To book your snow accessories simply find your car and pick the additional options that you require. We recommend you request these additional items at the time of your reservation as these do get booked up quickly!

The South Island’s best ski fields

Cardrona, Lake Wanaka

Cardrona Alpine Resort is found high in the Southern Alps between Wanaka and Queenstown and opens for the winter season on Saturday 11th June (2016)! Cardrona is a relaxed & friendly ski area that has been a popular ski destination for 35 years. Cardrona has something to keep every skier and snowboarder smiling – wide open beginner trails, pristine groomers, fun freeride terrain & world class parks & pipes. Whatever your level, Cardrona has the slopes for you! Head along and explore it all – skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, mountain carting, hiking and more in NZ’s ultimate playground!

Coronet Peak, Queenstown

Coronet Peak, is just 25 minutes from Queenstown. From Queenstown simply follow the sign posts to Coronet Peak along the skippers road. The access road is 13km out of town on your left and the road to the ski field is sealed all the way to the top. Coronet Peak’s spectacular rollercoaster terrain makes it one of New Zealand’s most exciting ski destinations for all abilities. It provides skiers 280 skiable hectares and Night Skiing (4pm-9pm Friday and Saturday) and First Tracks (8am daily) which means that Coronet Peak now offers longer on-snow hours than any other ski area in New Zealand.

The Remarkables, Queenstown

Remarkable by name, remarkable by nature. The famous Remarkables mountain range is home to The Remarkables ski field located across the valley from its sister ski area, Coronet Peak and just a 35 minute drive from Queenstown. The Remarkables offers terrain and facilities suitable for both first timers and expert skiers and snowboarders and is known for its spectacular north-facing sunny slopes. There are three different terrain parks ranging from beginner to advanced, and a tubing park for fun snowy adventures without skis or a board.

Treble Cone, Lake Wanaka

Treble Cone is the South Island’s largest ski area, boasting 550 hectares of rideable terrain. Climbing a vertical distance of 700m, Treble Cone is recognised for its leg burning long runs and uncrowded groomed slopes. For the best view over Lake Wanaka, cruise Raffles Run, a wide blue groomed trail which can be accessed from the Saddle Basin chairlift. For those of you who are more adventurous or seasoned skiers, head down Saddle Back for a taste of Treble Cone’s famous off-piste terrain. Treble Cones is open this season (2016) from 23 June till 2 October.